Raise a mistle-toast to the holiday season! The Friends of Jack & Jill Center – a support group of volunteers committed to developing community awareness, fundraising and program assistance for Jack & Jill Center’s children and their families – is excited to host the 22nd Annual Stiles Light Up Downtown, presented by Michele and Joe Maiuro, at The Plaza on Las Olas on Tuesday, Nov 28, at 5:30 p.m. Adults are invited to ring in the holiday season while giving back to the community with unlimited cocktails, canapés and festive live entertainment including carolers, jugglers and stilt walkers. The event will culminate with the magical lighting of a 30-foot Christmas tree, illuminating downtown Fort Lauderdale. The proceeds from the event will benefit Jack & Jill Center’s mission to strengthen children and families through innovative education, supportive programming and community engagement. Jack & Jill Center supports children of high-need working families through quality early childhood education, elementary education, family strengthening program and HEALTH Program to ensure every child and family has the tools they need to be successful. Jack & Jill Center has served 26,000 children and families in South Florida since 1942. Where: The Plaza on Las Olas 301 E. Las Olas Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 When: Tuesday, Nov 28, 5:30–8 p.m. The adults-only affair for those 21 and older is open to the public. Individual tickets may be purchased for $125 in advance of the event. Sponsorship opportunities are also available and range from $1,000–$10,000. For more information, please visit https://www.jackandjillcenter.org/event/lud/. For more information about sponsorship or underwriting opportunities, please contact Special Events Manager Emma Hadley at 954.463.8772, ext. 206 or ehadley@jackandjillcenter.org. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Jack & Jill Center

Bryant Miller Olive P.A. (BMO) is pleased to welcome three new attorneys to the firm: Lorena Bravo, Esq. to the firm’s Miami, Florida, office in the Labor and Employment practice; KaCee Johnson Lackey, Esq. to BMO’s Tallahassee, Florida, office in the Real Property and Commercial Transactions practices; and Whynter Morgan Neal, Esq. to the Tampa, Florida, office in the Litigation and Local Governments practices. Bravo has a focus on various areas of labor and employment, including but not limited to employment litigation, preventative counseling and labor disputes. In particular, she has extensive experience handling issues related to public sector employees and employers. With nearly 20 years of experience as an attorney, she served nine years as City Attorney for the City of Hialeah, Florida. She received her J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law, cum laude. She also received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Florida International University, where she was the recipient of the Valedictorian Scholarship, Florida Scholars and Florida Undergraduate Scholarship, and her Master of Accounting from Florida Atlantic University. Johnson Lackey focuses on representing clients in complex real estate matters, including commercial, residential and governmental development projects and real estate finance. She has in-depth knowledge of multiple areas of law including tax, corporate, contract, estate, family, foreclosure and bankruptcy law representing municipal corporations and financial services companies in various legal issues related to loan administration, business entity and transactional matters. She received her J.D. from Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law; and her Master of Science in Agronomy and Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Georgia. Morgan Neal focuses her practice on complex litigation matters, appellate advocacy and dispute resolution. Prior to joining BMO, she focused on civil litigation matters, including contract disputes, employment issues and business torts. Morgan Neal is a native of Jamaica, coming to Florida in 2010 after graduating high school at 16 years old. She received her J.D. from Washington University School of Law. She earned her Bachelor of Art degrees in History and Spanish, double minors in French and Anthropology, as well as an undergraduate Certificate in Latin America, Caribbean and Latino Studies (ISLAC) from the University of South Florida. She has held several leadership positions such as President of the Women of Color Law Society, Staff Editor of Global Studies Law Review, Admissions Ambassador and Treasurer of the International Law Society. “We are pleased to welcome KaCee, Lorena and Whynter to BMO, expanding our team with three dynamic women,” said JoLinda L. Herring, Esq., BMO’s managing shareholder and CEO. “Each of them brings well-respected experience in their individual practice areas to our firm. They are certain to be assets to BMO’s esteemed history of more than five decades of serving clients’ needs.” About Bryant Miller Olive With a distinguished history of over 50 years serving its clients' needs, Bryant Miller Olive represents governments, businesses and agencies in legal matters relating to public finance, real estate, state and local government law, complex transactions, project finance, litigation, and labor and employment. Firm attorneys are often called upon to handle some of the most complex legal issues in the boardroom and in the courtroom. The firm has offices in Tampa, Tallahassee, Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville, Atlanta and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit http://www.bmolaw.com. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Bryant Miller Olive

Jack & Jill Center and the Salvation Army of Fort Lauderdale have teamed up to ensure the children in the community have a safe and fun Halloween. To celebrate Spooky Season, the nonprofit organizations will host Trunk-or-Treat with the theme “Superheroes and Storybooks” at the Salvation Army on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 5–7 p.m.Trunk-or-Treaters of all ages are welcome to dress up as their favorite Disney, Marvel, DC, Fairy Tale Superhero or Storybook Character and trick-or-treat from various Halloween-decorated car trunks. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public. The organizations are still accepting vehicles to participate as the decorated “trunks” as well as peanut-free “treat” donations. Event sponsorships and underwriting opportunities are now available. Sponsorships range from $250 to $2,500. Where: Salvation Army 100 SW 9th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 Peanut-free “treat” donations may be dropped off at Jack & Jill Center Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m., prior to Oct. 24. Jack & Jill Center Halmos Family Building 1315 W. Broward Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33312 When: Tuesday, Oct. 24, 5 –7 p.m. The family friendly event is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to register. For more information or to register, please visit https://www.jackandjillcenter.org/event/trunk/. For more information about sponsorship or underwriting opportunities or to participate with a vehicle, please contact TQ Fulton at 954.463.8772 or tfulton@jackandjillcenter.org. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Jack & Jill Center . Top image by Szabó János/unsplash

Nestled in the heart of South Beach, Crunch Fitness has evolved far beyond being just a gym. Crunch South Beach has successfully redefined fitness by seamlessly integrating it with the concept of community. As this newly renovated gym celebrates its 25th anniversary, it's worth reflecting on how Crunch South Beach has managed to create an environment where fitness enthusiasts not only work up a sweat but also form meaningful connections in the process. The yearning for human connection has never been stronger. This sentiment is what makes Crunch South Beach a haven for those seeking both physical and emotional well-being. Offering something for everyone, from beginners to professionals, through group classes, personal training, or the largest updated and improved cardio and weight room floor on South Beach, this gem of a gym stands out for the sense of community and belonging it offers in this urban melting pot that is South Beach. The gym's 25th anniversary serves as a testament to its enduring commitment to providing a space that transcends the standard workout experience. Central to Crunch South Beach's success in building a robust community is its innovative approach to fitness classes. As the gym celebrates its 25th anniversary and introduces new group fitness classes like Myobility that incorporate myofascial release, Crunch South Beach continues to nurture an environment where people not only work on their physical well-being but also find the emotional support they crave. The camaraderie fostered in these classes extends beyond the workout hours, with members frequently organizing social events and even forming accountability partnerships to stay motivated. For many, fitness became an outlet over the past few years – a means of regaining a sense of control. The gym transformed into more than a place to burn calories; it became a sanctuary. Crunch South Beach recognized this need and redoubled its efforts to create opportunities for interaction. With all-new gym floors and equipment, the gym provides a space for individuals not only to sweat but also to share their fitness journeys, struggles, and triumphs. This shared vulnerability has strengthened the bonds among members, turning a workout space into a support network. The 25th anniversary celebration marks not only a major renovation of the entire Crunch South Beach facility but also underscores the resilience of community in the face of adversity. It's a reminder that even during uncertain times, people are drawn to spaces that foster connection. Crunch South Beach serves as a home for the community, demonstrating its ability to adapt and meet changing needs while staying true to its core values of inclusivity and the No Judgments philosophy. Here, members don't just lift weights; they lift each other up and support one another on their journeys toward self-improvement. Looking ahead, the post-pandemic world is likely to witness an even greater demand for spaces that prioritize community alongside fitness. The human desire for connection has been reignited, and Crunch South Beach stands as a model for how gyms can fulfill this need. People will seek a place to connect, engage, and draw inspiration from those on similar paths. In a world that often feels disjointed, Crunch South Beach serves as a shining example of how a fitness center can evolve into a vibrant and thriving community hub. When individuals step through its doors, they aren't merely signing up for a workout; they're becoming part of a larger family that uplifts, encourages, and celebrates their unique journeys. Crunch South Beach | 305-674-8222 |1259 Washington Ave, South Beach, FL 33139 www.crunch.com/locations/south-beach By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Crunch Fitness

In the ever-shifting landscape of health and wellness, where trends continually evolve, a brand emerges as a steadfast champion of crafting a unique and transformative experience. Introducing Odyssey Elixir, the pioneering force behind a first-of-its-kind mushroom-based beverage line headquartered in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. With a dedicated mission to shed light on the supernatural powers of mushrooms, Odyssey stands as a trailblazer in the world of functional drinks. At the heart of the brand’s innovation lies the groundbreaking formula - Odyssey Elixir. The sparkling beverages not only offer an energy boost but also enhance focus and mood through a blend of adaptogenic and nootropic fruiting body extracts from Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps. This harmonious fusion captures the essence of “Mindful Energy,” a concept that defines the brand’s philosophy. Behind this visionary brand stands Scott Frohman, the founder, and CEO of Odyssey Elixir. Drawing from his experience as the CEO of a Hemp CBD company, Frohman’s intrigue with the untapped potential of functional mushrooms and their holistic benefits sparked a new journey. After discovering the power of adaptogenic mushrooms, Frohman began meticulously blending unique combinations into his morning routine, experiencing new mental clarity and sustained energy. Driven by a desire to share this transformative journey with the world and provide support to others on their wellness paths, he recognized an untapped market niche and set out to pioneer true innovation. Collaborating with an organic functional mushroom supplier, Frohman embarked on the development of an advanced extraction technique. This technique skillfully concentrated the potent essences of Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps mushrooms, overcoming the bitter undertones typically associated with mushroom products and giving life to Odyssey Elixir. Odyssey’s beverage line provides holistic support for the body and mind, nurturing Energy, Endurance, Focus, Immunity, and Mood. The brand’s first energy drink infused with mushroom extracts was born from a mission to create potent, sustainable, and delicious functional beverages. By skillfully combining flavor-forward ingredients like passion fruit, orange, guava, and blackberry with adaptogenic mushrooms (Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps), Odyssey crafts products that are unique in both taste and effect. The brand’s journey didn’t stop here. Odyssey recently expanded with two new product lines - 222 and Revive. The 222 sparkling elixir combines the energy-boosting benefits of functional mushrooms with a 222 mg dose of caffeine. Revered in numerology, 222 symbolizes optimism, hope, fortune, and joy. On the other hand, Revive, another sparkling elixir, is designed to hydrate, revitalize, and enhance cognitive function. Perfect for today’s non-stop active lifestyle, Revive relies on electrolytes, magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, and functional Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps mushrooms, instead of caffeine or stimulants. Odyssey stands apart from traditional energy drinks by elegantly bridging the gap between invigorating beverages and functional elixirs. By prioritizing natural ingredients, gentle low-carb natural sweeteners, and offering a potent 2750mg dose of mushroom essence, this elixir redefines the essence of revitalization. Miami’s vibrant cultural tapestry provided the perfect backdrop for Odyssey Elixir’s growth. From music festivals to trendy hotspots, Odyssey seamlessly integrated into the city’s lifestyle, resonating with its audience. The heartfelt endorsements from satisfied customers amplified the brand’s message across social media, catapulting Odyssey into the limelight. However, Odyssey’s impact extended well beyond Miami. Collaborating with industry leaders like UNFI and KeHE, the brand expanded its reach and Odyssey Elixir has found its place on the shelves of numerous stores across the country, spanning over 5000 locations across different regions. Odyssey has risen to the forefront of the mushroom-based product movement and is charting new territories in the functional mushroom landscape. From a visionary’s epiphany to the emergence of a brand celebrated across the nation, Odyssey Elixir’s journey embodies resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to enhancing lives. With the tagline “It’s Your Journey,” Odyssey serves as a guiding light of mindful energy, illuminating the path towards heightened focus, uplifted mood, and increased vitality. As Odyssey Elixir continues to flourish, it remains a testament to the extraordinary fusion of passion, innovation, and purpose, redefining an industry and igniting a movement. Please visit the Odyssey Elixir website and follow their Instagram page for more information. By ML staff. Images courtesy of Odyssey Elixir.

The annual ZunZún Children’s Festival presents families and young audiences with a varied program of bilingual projects that bring together local and visiting artists to celebrate universal culture and the values of “Hispanidad.” The festival features “La Escuela Encantada,” a musical project by Rosalia Mowgli for family audiences. The show is a musical journey through different cultures in which we teach children and adults a variety of curious traditional, and unusual instruments. There will be a service fee of $0.75 per ticket when RSVPing online through Ticketmaster. RSVP in-person at the MDCA box office, open Monday-Friday at 9am-4pm, to avoid service fee charges. RSVPs are not required, but highly encouraged due to limited capacity. PLEASE NOTE: Before attending, please review updated Health & Safety Measures for indoor performances at Miami-Dade County Auditorium. Bag checks may occur at the lobby doors before entry. Please allow yourself a bit of extra time while planning your trip. DETAILS DATE/TIME Date: October 1 Time: 2:00 pm VENUE MDCA Mid-Stage Theatre 2901 West Flagler St Miami, FL33135 United States 305-547-5414 By ML Staff. Images courtesy of MDCA

The 2023 edition of Art Basel’s flagship fair in Basel concluded with highly praised presentations by 284 galleries from 36 countries and territories and notable sales throughout the week. 21 galleries participated in the fair for the first time, while 12 galleries made their debut in the fair’s main sector to present the full scope of their program. The fair debuted Kabinett, a mainstay sector in the Hong Kong and Miami Beach shows which allows galleries to showcase focused presentations within their booths and dive deeper into the practices of the artists presented. Curated by Giovanni Carmine, Director of the Kunst Halle Sankt Gallen, Unlimited featured 76 large-scale installations and performances, with Unlimited Night on Thursday, June 15 presenting special performances by Olaf Nicolai and Augustas Serapinas during extended hours. Leading private collectors across the globe were once again in attendance, as well as patrons and representatives of over 240 institutions, including Centre Pompidou, Paris; Dia Art Foundation, New York; Guggenheim Abu Dhabi; He Art Museum, Foshan; Istanbul Modern; Kunsthaus Zurich; Kunstverein in Hamburg; Leopold Museum, Vienna; Los Angeles County Museum of Art; MACBA – Museum Of Contemporary Art Barcelona; MALBA – Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires; MAXXI, Rome; MoMA PS1, New York; Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal; Städel Museum, Frankfurt; Sursock Museum, Beirut; Palais de Tokyo, Paris; Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam; Royal Commission of AlUla; San Francisco Museum of Art; Serpentine Galleries, London; Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York; Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam; Tate, London; Today Art Museum, Beijing; Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; and Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, Cape Town. Key Highlights Art Basel closed on Sunday, June 18, 2023 following a weeklong presentation of the highest-quality artworks and strong sales across all sectors The fair attracted an attendance of 82,000 throughout the week, reinforcing its position as the most important convening point for the global art world Kabinett, a popular sector of both the Hong Kong and Miami Beach shows in which galleries present thematic exhibitions within their booths, debuted at the Basel show with 13 thoughtfully curated presentations from 14 galleries Visitors also enjoyed a range of public programs, including an interactive installation by Latifa Echakhch on the Messeplatz; Parcours, featuring 24 site-specific installations across the city – its largest edition to date; Conversations; and Film Art Basel, whose Global Lead Partner is UBS, took place at Messe Basel from June 15 to 18, 2023 By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Art Basel

The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood will premiere Gen QueerZ, its fourth documentary film short in its award-winning Open Dialogues series, on Wed., Oct. 11 at the Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center, 1770 Monroe Street. Coinciding with National Coming Out Day, the evening begins with a red-carpet reception at 6 p.m. followed by a screening of the film and a discussion with cast members and Director Freddy Rodriguez at 7 p.m. There is no charge for admission. Gen QueerZ gives voice to LGBTQ+ youth who declare openly, “Queer is here. Queer is everywhere,” and that being out in public and home spaces is a form of activism that demarginalizes all queer people. Produced by the Art and Culture Center/Hollywood in association with Safe Schools South Florida, the title Gen QueerZ refers to LGBTQ youth who are part of Generation Z, which accounts roughly for people born since 1997. Gen QueerZ captures the LGBTQ+ narratives and performances of eight South Florida college/university students. Their stories reflect a diversity of gender identities, cultural backgrounds, and academic studies while exploring allyship, threats, and the family dynamics of being “out” at home. The film features readings of original poems performed by Eric Martinez (“To Know Yourself”) and Ja’na Nelson (“I’m Out”). The eight cast members are Doriyan Caty (Florida Atlantic University), Javier Gomez (Miami Dade College), SofíaGrajales (Broward College), Eric Martinez (Florida International University ’23 and University of Miami), Ja’na Nelson (FAU ’22), Kelsey Parente (Broward College), Ian Rodriguez (Florida State University), and Nathalie Saladrigas (Miami Dade College ’23 and Emerson College, Boston). Open Dialogues: Gen QueerZ was made with support from The Our Fund Foundation, The Windhover Foundation/Quadracci Family, and the Dara and Jarrett Levan Fund for the Arts at the Community Foundation of Broward. National Coming Out Day was first observed on October 11, 1988, on the second anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. It is observed throughout the U.S. and other countries around the world to raise awareness of the LGBTQ+ community and its civil rights movement. About the Art and Culture Center/Hollywood The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supported in part by its members, admissions, private entities, the City of Hollywood, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council; and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. We welcome donations from all members of the community who wish to support our work. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Art and Culture Center/Hollywood

Emmy Award-Winning Spanish Guitar and Dance Spectacular! It’s one hot night as Benise, “The Prince of Spanish Guitar,” and his Emmy Award-winning production come to town as part of his global tour. Armed with his Spanish guitar, Benise will take the audience on an unprecedented and epic adventure through Spanish Flamenco, Cuban Salsa, Brazilian Samba, Parisian Waltz, exotic drumming, and more! FIESTA! Showcases songs from Benise’s 7th PBS Special. Performing classic Rock anthems from Led Zeppelin and AC/DC and fusing them with Spanish guitar and dance to bring a fierce intensity to these new interpretations. In addition, Benise adds his signature touch to classics such as “Ave Maria”, “Moonlight Sonata,” and Vivaldi’s “Summer” from The Four Seasons. “This show is a celebration of all the shows we’ve done over the last 20 years,” comments composer, virtuoso guitarist and creative force behind the event, Benise. PLEASE NOTE: Before attending, please review updated Health & Safety Measures for indoor performances at Miami-Dade County Auditorium. Bag checks may occur at the lobby doors before entry. Please allow yourself a bit of extra time while planning your trip DETAILS DATE/TIME Date: October 14 Time: 8:00 pm TICKETS Click here to purchase tickets PRICES $34 – $199 VENUE Miami-Dade County Auditorium 2901 West Flagler St Miami, FL33135 United States 305-547-5414 By ML Staff. Images courtesy of MDCA

Stella McCartney’s Resort 2024 collection epitomizes ethical luxury at its finest. With a passion for sustainability, the collection showcases cruelty-free and eco-conscious designs that exude effortless style. Expect a harmonious fusion of chic tailoring, vibrant prints, and bold silhouettes that celebrate individuality and empower the wearer. Stella McCartney continues to be a trailblazer in the fashion industry, proving that high fashion can be both luxurious and kind to the planet. To learn more visit www.stellamccartney.com. By ML staff. Images courtesy of Stella McCartney.

Gabriela Hearst’s Resort 2024 collection captures timeless elegance and sophistication. With a perfect blend of modernity and heritage, her designs showcase impeccable craftsmanship and sustainable luxury. Expect to see exquisite tailoring, luxurious fabrics, and innovative silhouettes that redefine contemporary fashion. Gabriela Hearst continues to lead the way in sustainable fashion, proving that style and ethics can go hand in hand. To learn more visit www.gabrielahearst.com. By ML staff. Images courtesy of Gabriela Hearst

Born and raised in mystical Transylvania, Maria is not a vampire, as far as she knows. However, Maria Bata is a Romanian actress and model with 15 years of experience in front of the camera. She has been featured in over 100 TV commercials for big brands such as Cadillac, Coca-Cola, and Apple. Her movie projects have also earned recognition at prestigious film festivals like Sundance and the Transylvania International Film Festival. For the moment, she is continuing her acting career in Los Angeles and is a curious student of various energy healing techniques. Miami Living sat down with Maria to learn more about her passions, current projects, Miami inspirations, and more. Miami Living: How did you discover your passion for modeling and acting, and what steps did you take to pursue it despite initially studying management? Maria Bata: Although I considered attending an acting school after high school, I chose to be more pragmatic. Instead, I attended the University of Management in Bucharest, which sounded very cool and seemed to have more career opportunities. Nevertheless, the desire to explore my artistic side remained strong within me. Once in Bucharest, under the “guidance” of my older sister, who was already a well-known model in Romania, I signed up with modeling and casting agencies, mostly with the desire to have more financial freedom and flexibility. In a very short time, I began getting auditions and shooting commercials and advertising photo campaigns during my free time between classes. As I received encouragement from the people I collaborated with, I decided that after finishing my studies, I would take the admission exam for an acting school. That’s exactly what I did, and it marked the beginning of my journey in the film industry. ML: Can you discuss some of the notable campaigns and projects you have been involved in, both in print media and film? MB: In my 15+ years of experience in front of the camera, I have shot over 100 TV commercials and photo campaigns for brands like Cadillac, Coca-Cola, Apple, Nescafe, Skechers, and Vogue, to name a few. Each project had something special—the makeup, the wardrobe, or the people that I met on set—that added value to who I am now, both as an artist and as a human being. One of the highlights was when I arrived on set for a Wells Fargo shoot (one of my first commercials when I moved to LA) and had the chance to collaborate with the talented director of photography, Linus Sandgren, who won the Oscar for “Best Cinematography” for “La La Land”. Additionally, I had the incredible opportunity to work alongside well-known actors like Laurence Fishburne, Rose Byrne, and Michael Keaton. Observing their approach to their roles and their interactions with other team members was an exciting and enlightening experience. Their professionalism, relaxed demeanor, sense of humor, and lack of superiority left a lasting impression on me. ML: What has been the biggest challenge you faced during your career, and how did you overcome it? MB: The biggest challenge I faced during my career was staying consistent and not giving up. Things don’t always happen as we expect or wish, and in this profession, we receive so many “No’s” and rejections. However, I learned to accept that they are part of an actor’s career and life, and I found ways to manage my disappointments in order to become stronger and succeed on this path. ML: How did you overcome it? MB: Overcoming this challenge required a combination of factors. My stubbornness and determination as a Capricorn played a significant role. Moreover, I kept recalling the feeling of fulfillment I experience when I’m on a film set. And, of course, a few therapy and meditation sessions didn’t hurt! ;) ML: What motivated you to move to Los Angeles, and how has your career evolved since then? MB: Los Angeles is like a “Mecca” for any actor, and I had been dreaming of moving there for a long time, but I didn’t have the courage, I believe. Then, one of my movies, “Pioneers Palace,” directed by Bobby Păunescu, was selected for the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. In 2015, I traveled to America for the world premiere of the film, in which I had the lead role. The experience I had at the festival increased my curiosity and desire to start a career in the United States of America. In 2017, my artist visa was approved, and I moved to Los Angeles. I remember it was Thanksgiving Day, and I truly felt the significance of this holiday. Since then, I feel like I’m growing and being inspired as an actor and, on a personal level, day by day, just living in this city—a hub of talent and creativity. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate and be invited to various events and private parties with actors and directors from my favorite movies. ML: How would you describe your energy and style as a model and actress, and how does it contribute to your work? MB: That’s a hard question. I guess I would say that I approach my work with a lot of awareness and curiosity, but don’t have one particular style. My approach centers around my ability to find the truth and beauty of each moment. ML: Tell us about your upcoming projects. MB: I am working on a personal project where I will be the host of a show about wine and wine culture. Our goal is to educate people about wine and entertain them with various adventures from California’s vineyards. Additionally, I have a few projects in the discussion or pre-production stage, about which I cannot offer specific details at the moment. Two of these projects are an action film directed by Keoni Waxman, in which I have a leading role, and another one is a story of Dracula that I am very excited about, especially since I was born and raised in Transylvania. ML: Have you ever considered expanding your acting career to other markets, such as Miami? If so, what attracts you to the Miami entertainment scene? MB: I consider myself to be an international artist. I’ve worked before in other markets such as Mexico City, Madrid, Cape Town, Milan, and, of course, Romania. Now that I’ve been working in LA for a few years, I am very open to exploring other places in the US and all over the world. Miami, I must confess, is very exciting. I’ve only been to Miami a few times, but I love the city’s unique blend of culture, music, vibrant nightlife, beach and outdoor activities, and the presence of various industries (music, sport, film, technological innovation, art). It truly gives me the feeling that I could live there one day. ML: What are your thoughts on the Miami entertainment industry and its potential for growth and opportunities? MB: The Miami entertainment industry already thrives in various sectors, but, of course, there is always room for expansion and innovation. As far as film production goes, the success of markets outside of Hollywood - such as Atlanta - provides a great blueprint for what Miami can achieve. By leveraging its strengths, fostering collaboration, and embracing emerging trends, the industry in Miami has the potential for unlimited growth and can offer exciting opportunities for entertainment professionals and entrepreneurs alike. ML: How do you envision Miami fitting into your long-term career goals and aspirations? Is it a city where you see yourself thriving and pursuing new opportunities? MB: Absolutely! Miami has established itself as a popular filming location, with a vibrant film and television industry. The city’s diverse landscapes, modern infrastructure, and generous tax incentives have already attracted major film and television productions. I believe this trend will continue, creating industry-wide jobs and boosting the local economy. This, of course, gives me plenty of opportunities to do what I do best in such an exciting and fun city. ML: And lastly, what can you tell us about your energy healing techniques? MB: I was initiated into becoming a practitioner of Angelic Reiki in Mexico City a few years ago. Right now, I am just practicing on myself. I am planning to get certified in the Usui Reiki technique as well, and start helping those in need. ML: Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Connect with Maria on her socials Instagram: www.instagram.com/mariabata Facebook: www.facebook.com/mariabataofficial By Markin Abras Photography by Caesar Lima Actress: Maria Bata Stylist: Romi Nakajima